Barbara Gillette, Master Gardener
Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with three decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. From sowing seed to harvest, from heirloom tomatoes to wild orchids, her gardening experience encompasses first hand knowledge of best practices for success.
She has worked with the University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Communications and with several commercial greenhouse operations and was past president of the Anderson County Farmer's Market Cooperative. She has cultivated and planted more than 150 shrubs and trees on her eight acre property over the past 23 years.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Light- Bright and indirect sunlight.
Water- It thrives in dry environments, so use it cautiously. Because it dislikes standing water, use a planter with a drainage hole.
Pet friendly- Yes.
Plant level- Beginner.
Pro tip- If your leaves start to turn brown, take them off to keep your plant healthy. Cut off a leaf and separate the gel from the stem to make your aloe gel for your skin.
Barbados Cherry Fruits
Also known as an "acerola" cherry, this tree is an easy-to-grow variety that does well in the ground or a container. "Barbados cherry trees are notable for their high Vitamin C content," Popat says, adding that they prefer partial sun and are quite adaptable to different soil types.